For the most part, with sautee pans, you want this to be relatively slow. A pan that reacts too fast will lead to unevenly cooked food. Turn the knob a tiny bit to the right and before you know it, your onions are burnt.
The smooth surfaces make cooking easy, and the thick bases mean the pots and pans will last. However, most of the products are now bonded so that the coating cannot come off, reducing the risk that someone could accidentally consume it. The fumes could become dangerous at super high temperatures, but you’re unlikely to reach those temperatures when cooking most dishes. For example, nonstick pans work well for delicate foods, such as pancakes and eggs.
Though the scratches don’t automatically make the non-stick cookware stick, it’s when they start to build up that the cookware breaks down. According to other customers, it can happen anywhere from 8–18 months, depending on how gently you treat it. The ceramic coating tends to chip in the dishwasher. And if you scrub too vigorously, you’re in for a few scratches. There’s also a 10 piece set which includes a deep skillet. If it were me seeking new cookware, I’d go for the 12-set.
They’ve been championed by home users and professionals alike as offering performance just as good as All-Clad, at a fraction of the price. They feature the same triple ply construction, the same basic dimensions, and the same sturdy riveted handles (welded handles have a tendency to fall off tramontina cookware with use). Most professionals would agree that All-Clad skillets are the cream of the crop. They combine the best of both worlds to create the ultimate cooking surface. These days, a lot of consumers are also concerned about the chemicals present in cookware that could seep into their food.
It’s a common opinion, among professional chefs, that stainless steel is one of the best materials for cookware, making all of the lids and Tramontina stainless steel pans oven safe. And you can use metal utensils on it because stainless steel is so hard to scratch. (And we agree, which is why Made In’s stainless-steel tramontina cookware skillet beat out All-Clad’s D3 skillet for our top recommendation in our stainless-steel skillet testing). At the time of writing this, the classic series run around $100 per pan. Figure you need at least five pots and pans, and you’re looking at almost $500 just to get your kitchen on its feet.
Tramontina has over 7,000 employees and eleven factories worldwide as of 2015, including Chinese production. Stainless steel is a decent heat conductor and fairly responsive, not to mention they are super versatile, since you can place stainless steel in the oven. This makes them great for searing then roasting (as you would do in this recipe for pan-roasted chicken breasts). A good skillet is the primary pan used in any Western-style kitchen. It’s used for everything from sauteeing vegetables to searing meat and reducing sauces. Along with a good saucepot, an 8-inch skillet and a 12-inch skillet should be the first pans in your kitchen’s arsenal.
I wouldn’t turn to Tramontina if looking for absolute top quality, but I do like the brand and would be happy to use them. Tramontina has a reputation for making its cookware in Brazil, and my understanding is that all its cookware is made in Brazil. They’re far from the top of the range, but further from the bottom, and I don’t see many complaints about them.
You may find other cookware sets like this—sets of just pots or pans of various sizes. Cast iron has better heat retention, but stainless steel is more responsive. You can even find cookware sets with pans small enough to use in your toaster oven. Instead of using your full oven, you’ll save time and energy preparing small meals in your toaster oven. You’ll also benefit from the simplicity of cleaning a toaster oven instead of a full-size oven.
It may or may not have PTFE, and it coats a light, inexpensive aluminum. Plus, you have to be extremely gentle, or the coating comes off after only a few uses. But it’s not for someone who doesn’t like hand-washing or is a bit rough with their cookware.
Our specially crafted Tri-Ply Clad construction provides heat from all sides, not just the bottom. This Tramontina cookware set has everything you need for all your cooking needs. Prima cookware combines a modern style, exceptional performance, durability, and quality and works on all heat sources, including induction. This cookware provides even heat distribution and works even in the oven. It’s true that there are cheaper options, but it’s the quality I adore here.